Learn about gardening and explore nature in Gibsons, BC, Canada

Details

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  Description

  Hello Folks,
  
  We are seeking a helper who can begin around Aug. 1, 2025.
  I will also need help during September, October, and November 2025.
  We prefer someone who can stay 2 months, provided we all feel it is
  a good fit. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you only have one month available.
  
  We live in Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast in B.C. Canada. The view from our property is spectacular; the ocean, mountains, and islands are magical. You can rent a kayak and explore the islands nearby. We live in an area with many artists, writers, and cultural events. The hiking is diverse, featuring waterfalls, lakes, creeks, and numerous quiet beaches ideal for swimming.
  
  It's a great location if you love nature, hiking, cycling, swimming, kayaking, and attending outdoor concerts or the Writer's Festival.
  
  
  My partner, much older than I, was a mariner who crossed the Atlantic on the Arctic Fox II with a lively crew of 9, including his 8-year-old daughter at the time. He also worked as a math professor and is keenly interested in world politics. He enjoys hearing the stories of our WorkAwayers from other countries and cultures. He has been having some short-term memory problems recently.
  
  We are both well-traveled and enjoy hosting folks from so many different cultures. I encourage my guests to chat with Ivan while chopping vegetables or making soup. We favour someone who loves cooking healthy meals, as I rarely have time. It would be a great benefit if our helper could focus on keeping the kitchen clean and ensuring no food is wasted.
  
  I am flexible and encourage each guest to find ways of helping that they enjoy. You will always have two consecutive days off or two separate days each week. We all help cook meals, and you can help yourself prepare a meal, especially lunch. I would prioritize days when I need help and other days when I need less or no assistance.
  We live in a dynamic town with many cultural events, First Nations celebrations, a Writer's festival during summer, and in the autumn, all the local artists open their homes and studios with festive snacks and interesting creations. Every season offers wonderful ways to enjoy nature, from cross-country skiing at higher elevations to swimming in our local lakes or enjoying the many secluded beaches on the Sunshine Coast. We live close to an indoor swimming pool and a recreation center with a gym.
  My hope is that we can openly communicate and make plans that are based on our needs and your plans and interests. I have lived in Gibsons, BC, Canada, for over 40 years.
  I am an ESL teacher with a Counseling Certificate, so I would be happy to help you with any language improvements or counseling needs. I have taught ESL worldwide, including one year in China and one season in Thailand.
  I love hiking, photography, swimming, fiber art, and travel adventures. I would be happy to show you some beautiful trails with great views. I am a fiber artist with a small studio, and I enjoy sharing my silk painting skills.
  My husband was a mariner, a math teacher, and has terrific stories about his life at sea. He does have cancer now and needs someone around to assist him with simple tasks.
  Sometimes, he is less talkative as he needs a lot of rest during this phase.
  
  We treat our volunteers with respect and clear communication; our goal is for everyone to enjoy life. If any of us ( Evi, Ivan, or our helper) feels that the situation is not a good fit, the arrangement can be ended. We are always happy to help you find a situation that might better suit you.
  We look forward to hearing from you. I usually meet potential helpers on WhatsApp or Zoom ahead so that we can have a conversation.
  Warmest Greetings, Evi and Ivan

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Elderly Companionship

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance

  Help with Computers/ Internet
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  Interests

  

  Events & social

  

  Politics / Social justice

  

  Sustainability

  

  Self development

  

  Charity work

  

  Culture

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Gardening

  

  Languages

  

  Photography

  

  Writing

  

  Drawing & painting

  

  Art & design

  

  Books

  

  Fitness

  

  Nature

  

  Camping

  

  Beach

  

  Winter sports

  

  Water sports

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Hiking
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  I am a qualified ESL teacher and would be glad to provide some ESL classes during the week. We live in an area where hiking, kayaking, swimming and cycling are enjoyable. We have many interesting events in our area including a Writer's Festival, Craft Fairs, Outdoor free musical events, A jazz festival and many more opportunities to learn about the West Coast of Canada. I am a fiber artist and would be happy to teach techniques for painting on Silk. I would be delighted to show you some of my favourite lakes and hiking trails.

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  Help

  I need a helper to assist with household tasks. Help with cooking, yard work, household chores, gardening, downsizing, decluttering, and cleaning would be greatly appreciated. I don't have the time I used to have to keep up with tasks, as I am a busy caregiver looking after my husband, as he has cancer. He still enjoys conversations and has many terrific adventures to share with you.
  
  1) elderly companionship (only conversation) 2) House cleaning help 3) cooking of meals and serving meals 4) Driving if you have a permit (errands) 5) Gardening and yard help when needed 7) Watering plants 8) Painting a small room (optional) 9) Sweeping and mopping balcony 10) if you have repair skills often work comes up, and we have all the tools and equipment (optional)

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Spanish: Beginner
  French: Beginner

  This host offers a language exchange
  I would love to improve my Spanish and my French.
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  Accommodation

  There is a very comfortable living space that I created in the back of the living room with a gorgeous view of the sea and mountains. Several dividers make this space private and there is a bathroom just steps away. There is a comfortable bed, large desk, shelf space, drawers and a computer chair, air conditioner, and cupboard to hang clothes in. The living room is generally not used as we have our own bathroom and a spacious bedroom upstairs where I work.

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  What else ...

  During your time off you can go to Vancouver. It is only a 40-minute ferry ride away. There are always interesting events in the city, great parks, theaters, live performances and lots of multi-cultural events. You can also join a kayaking group, a hiking club, or a song circle. If you prefer quiet beaches, there are many. Swimming in either the sea or lakes is enjoyable until late September. There are pubs, restaurants, classes in art and writing etc. that you can attend. We live 2 blocks from the library and it is only 5 minutes to the lower town and government dock.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  We have a good internet connection (unlimited) We do not have any pets. We do not smoke and do not permit smoking in the house, only a good distance from the house. We only have one room available so can't accept families.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  A small van can be parked in our yard.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  One

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